In the News
Senator points to working families
Rockefeller says that's one reason he is running for a fifth term
by Jake Stump
Sen. Jay Rockefeller draws his inspiration from a high-powered multimillionaire who five months ago invited him into his posh skyscraper office overlooking New York City .
"When you can see Central Park and Harlem at the same time, you're pretty high up," Rockefeller quipped about the man's office.
The West Virginia Democrat hadn't been acquainted with the fellow, whom he declined to identify. He didn't know why the man wanted to speak with him.
"I walk in, and he had invited me, and he just glares at me," Rockefeller said. "His eyes are just riddled with hatred, disdain. I can't make up the words."
The man didn't bother to offer the 6-foot-6 Rockefeller a seat. So the senator sank down in a chair without asking.
Rockefeller remained on the receiving end of a stone cold glare.
"I thought I'd break the ice with the charming question, 'How much money are you going to make this year?'" Rockefeller recalled. "He said, '$183 million. And if you people on the finance committee would do deferred compensation, I could make more.' "
The 70-year-old Rockefeller, a member of said committee, struggled to maintain his composure.
Despite coming from a prominent and wealthy family rooted deeply in American politics, oil and banking, Rockefeller says he doesn't understand the lifestyle of exorbitant luxury.
He frequently reflects on his time as an anti-poverty volunteer in Emmons, located on the Big Coal River in Kanawha and Boone counties, as a turning point in his life.
"I told this guy that the average working family in West Virginia might make $27,000," Rockefeller said. "So I said, 'How do I describe America to myself when you're trying to get $190 million or whatever it is for you, and these people are struggling? What do I say to those people working and making $27,000 a year?'
"He said, 'That's your problem.'
"I got up and left."
Stay Informed
